IEC 62485-6:2021

IEC 62485-6 ®
Edition 1.0 2021-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Safety requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations –
Part 6: Safe operation of lithium ion batteries in traction applications

Exigences de sécurité pour les batteries d’accumulateurs et les installations
de batteries –
Partie 6: Fonctionnement en toute sécurité des batteries ions-lithium dans
les applications de traction
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IEC 62485-6 ®
Edition 1.0 2021-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Safety requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations –

Part 6: Safe operation of lithium ion batteries in traction applications

Exigences de sécurité pour les batteries d’accumulateurs et les installations

de batteries –
Partie 6: Fonctionnement en toute sécurité des batteries ions-lithium dans

les applications de traction
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.220.20; 29.220.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-9126-9

– 2 – IEC 62485-6:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Protection against electric shock by the battery and charger . 10
4.1 General . 10
4.2 Basic protection and fault protection . 10
4.3 Basic protection and fault protection when discharging the traction battery
on the vehicle (battery disconnected from charger/mains) . 11
4.3.1 Batteries up to and including 60 V DC . 11
4.3.2 For batteries exceeding 60 V DC up to and including 120 V DC . 11
4.3.3 Batteries exceeding 120 V DC but not exceeding 1 500 V DC . 11
4.4 Basic protection and fault protection when charging the traction battery . 11
5 Prevention of short-circuits and protection from other effects of electric current . 12
5.1 Cables and connectors . 12
5.2 Protective measures during maintenance . 12
5.3 Battery insulation . 13
5.3.1 Insulation resistance . 13
5.3.2 Insulation resistance measurement . 13
6 Provisions against hazards . 13
6.1 General . 13
6.2 Charging modes . 13
6.3 Temperature influence on the charge voltage and limiting of charge current . 14
6.4 Overcharging or overdischarging under fault conditions . 14
6.5 Prevention of electrostatic discharges when working with batteries . 14
7 Provision against hazards by chemical substances . 14
7.1 General . 14
7.2 Initial actions in case of hazardous chemical release . 14
7.3 Eye or skin contact . 14
7.4 Swallowing . 14
7.5 Respiratory tract . 15
7.6 Burns . 15
8 Battery containers and enclosures . 15
9 Battery change . 15
10 Battery peripheral equipment/accessories . 15
10.1 Battery management system . 15
10.2 Thermal management systems and series installation . 16
10.3 Connectors (plugs/sockets) . 16
11 Charge current requirements . 16
11.1 Peak voltage/current by charging . 16
11.2 Superimposed ripple current . 17
11.3 Maximum ripple current . 17
12 Identification labels, warning notices and instructions for use, installation and
maintenance . 17
12.1 General . 17
12.2 Warning labels . 17

12.3 Identification label . 18
12.4 Instructions . 18
12.5 Other labels . 18
13 Transportation, storage, disposal and environmental aspects . 18
13.1 Packing and transport . 18
13.2 Disassembly, disposal, and recycling of batteries. 19
13.3 Storage . 19
14 Inspection and monitoring . 19
15 EMC for traction application . 19
Annex A (informative) Cell behaviour inside and outside of operating region . 20
Annex B (normative) Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 21
B.1 Case 1 – EMC requirements of battery systems depending of each end-
device application . 21
B.2 Case 2 – EMC requirements for testing battery system as an end-device . 21
Bibliography . 22

Figure A.1 – An example for operating region of lithium ion cell . 20

– 4 – IEC 62485-6:2021 © IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR SECONDARY
BATTERIES AND BATTERY INSTALLATIONS –

Part 6: Safe operation of lithium ion batteries in traction applications

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
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preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
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interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62485-6 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 21:
Secondary cells and batteries.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
21/1071/FDIS 21/1077/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 62485 series, published under the general title Safety requirements
for secondary batteries and battery installations, can be found on the IEC website.

The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

– 6 – IEC 62485-6:2021 © IEC 2021
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR SECONDARY
BATTERIES AND BATTERY INSTALLATIONS –

Part 6: Safe operation of lithium ion batteries in traction applications

1 Scope
This part of IEC 62485 applies to battery installations used for electric off-road vehicles; it does
not cover the design of such vehicles.
Examples of the main applications are:
– industrial
• cleaning machines,
• trucks for material handling, for example, lift trucks, tow trucks, automatic guided
vehicles,
• electrically propulsed lifting platforms;
– other applications
• electric powered boats and ships.
This document covers the safety aspects of battery installations in such applications. This
document does not cover railway vehicles, for traction railway application, see IEC 62928.
This document does not cover batteries and battery installations for the propulsion of electric
road vehicles. In the event of there being a variation of requirements between this document
and those of a relevant product standard (e.g. goods vehicles, bicycles, wheel chairs, golf
carts), then the product standard requirements take precedence.
Lithium ion cells and batteries used in traction industrial application are intended to fulfil safety
requirements in accordance with IEC 62619.
The maximum voltages are limited to AC 1 000 V and to DC 1 500 V, and the principal measures
for protection against hazards, generally from electricity, gas emission and electrolyte to
prevent fire and explosion are described.
This document provides requirements on safety aspects associated with the installation, use,
inspection, maintenance and disposal of lithium ion batteries. Batteries containing lithium metal
are not covered by this document.
In general, the safety requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations – General
safety information and definitions are specified for lead-acid, nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal
hybrid batteries in accordance with IEC 62485-1.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60204-1, Safety of machinery – Electrical equipment of machines – Part 1: General
requirements
IEC 60364-4-41:2005, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 4-41: Protection for safety –
Protection against electric shock
IEC 60364-4-41:2005/AMD1:2017
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 61000-1-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 1-2: General – Methodology for the
achievement of functional safety of electrical and electronic systems including equipment with
regard to electromagnetic phenomena
IEC 61000-6-1, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-1: Generic standards – Immunity
standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-2: Generic standards – Immunity
standard for industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-3: Generic standards – Emission
standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-4, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-4: Generic standards – Emission
standard for industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-7, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-7: Generic standards – Immunity
requirements for equipment intended to perform functions in a safety-related system (functional
safety) in industrial locations
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and equipment
IEC 62619:2017, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid
electrolytes – Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries, for use in industrial
applications
IEC 62620:2014, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid
electrolytes –Secondary lithium cells and batteries for use in industrial applications
ISO 3864 (all parts), Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs
EN 1175-1:2011, Safety of industrial trucks – Electrical requirements – Part 1: General
requirements for battery powered trucks
UN Regulation No. 100 (UN R 100):2011, Uniform provisions concerning the approval of
vehicles with regard to specific requirements for the electric power train

– 8 – IEC 62485-6:2021 © IEC 2021
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
secondary lithium cell
cell
secondary cell where electrical energy is derived from the insertion/extraction reactions of
lithium ions or oxidation/reduction reaction of lithium between the negative electrode and the
positive electrode
Note 1 to entry: The cell typically has an electrolyte that consists of a lithium salt and organic solvent compound in
liquid, gel or solid form and has a metal or a laminate film casing.
Note 2 to entry: A cell is not ready for use in an application because it is not yet fitted with its final housing, terminal
arrangement and electronic control device.
3.2
lithium ion battery
secondary battery with an organic solvent electrolyte and positive and negative electrodes
which utilize an intercalation compound in which lithium is stored
Note 1 to entry: A lithium ion battery does not contain lithium metal.
[SOURCE: IEC 60500-482:2004, 482-05-07]
3.3
electrolyte
liquid or solid substance containing mobile ions which render it ionically conductive
Note 1 to entry: The electrolyte may be liquid, solid or a gel.
[SOURCE: IEC 60500-482:2004, 482-02-29]
3.4
battery management system
BMS
electronic system associated with a battery which has functions to control current in case of
overcharge, overcurrent, overdischarge, and overheating, and which monitors and/or manages
the state of the battery, calculates secondary data, reports that data and/or controls its
environment to influence the battery's safety, performance and/or service life
Note 1 to entry: Overdischarge cut off is not mandatory if there is an agreement on this between the cell
manufacturer and the customer.
Note 2 to entry: The function of the battery management system (BMS) can be assigned to the battery pack or to
equipment that uses the battery.
Note 3 to entry: The BMS can be divided and it can be found partially in the battery pack and partially on the
equipment that uses the battery.
Note 4 to entry: The BMS is sometimes also referred to as a BMU (battery management unit).

3.5
nominal voltage
suitable approximate value of the voltage used to designate or identify a cell or a battery
Note 1 to entry: The cell or battery manufacturer may provide the nominal voltage.
Note 2 to entry: The nominal voltage of a battery of n series connected cells is equal to n times the nominal voltage
of a single cell.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-31, modified – Omission of "electrochemical system"
from the definition, and addition of Notes 1 and 2.]
3.6
overcharge
continued charging after the full charge of a secondary cell or battery
Note 1 to entry: Overcharge is also the act of charging beyond a certain limit specified by the manufacturer.
[SOURCE: IEC 60500-482:2004, 482-05-44, modified – The domain has been added and the
wording "of a fully charged" has been replaced with "after the full charge of" in the definition.]
3.7
overdischarge
state of the battery when one or more cells of the battery are discharged below their lower limit
discharge voltage
3.8
traction battery
secondary battery which is designed to provide the propulsion energy for electric vehicles
3.9
lower limit discharging voltage
lowest discharging voltage in the cell operating region specified by the cell manufacturer
3.10
external short-circuit
abnormally high current discharge due to a conductive fault over parts at opposite polarity either
within the battery circuitry or over the external terminals
3.11
internal short-circuit
electrical conduction through insulation within the cell due to cell manufacturing defects, cell
design faults or damage due to abuse of the cell during its use
3.12
module
group of cells connected together either in a series and/or parallel configuration with or without
protective devices (e.g. fuse or positive temperature coefficient device (PTC)) and monitoring
circuitry
3.13
battery system
battery
system which comprises one or more cells, modules or battery packs and has a battery
management system capable of controlling current in case of overcharge, overcurrent,
overdischarge and overheating
Note 1 to entry: Overdischarge cut off is not mandatory if there is an agreement on this between the cell
manufacturer and the customer.

– 10 – IEC 62485-6:2021 © IEC 2021
Note 2 to entry: The battery system may have cooling or heating units. A larger battery system may comprise more
than one battery system. The battery system is sometimes also referred to as a battery.
3.14
cell block
group of cells connected together in parallel configuration with or without protective devices
(e.g. fuse or positive temperature coefficient device (PTC)) and monitoring circuitry
Note 1 to entry: It is not ready for use in an application because it is not yet fitted with its final housing, terminal
arrangement and electronic control device.
3.15
battery pack
energy storage device comprised of one or more cells or modules electrically connected, and
has monitoring circuitry which provides information (e.g. cell voltage) to a battery system to
influence the battery's safety, performance and/or service life
Note 1 to entry: It may incorporate a protective housing and be provided with terminals or other interconnection
arrangements.
4 Protection against electric shock by the battery and charger
4.1 General
Measures should be taken for protection against direct contact (basic protection) and against
indirect contact (fault protection) with hazardous voltages while the traction batteries are
installed in the vehicle and during battery charging procedures.
These measures are described in detail in IEC 60364-4-41 and IEC 61140. The following
subclauses describe the typical measures to be taken for traction battery installations and the
resulting adaptions.
The appropriate equipment standard IEC 61140 applies to batteries and direct current
distribution circuits located inside equipment.
4.2 Basic protection and fault protection
For batteries when installed in the vehicle and in battery charging installations if removed from
the vehicle for charging, protection against direct contact with live parts shall be ensured in
accordance with IEC 60364-4-41.
The following protective measures against direct contact apply:
– protection by insulation of live parts;
– protection by barriers or enclosures;
– protection by obstacles;
– protection by placing out of reach.
The following protective measures against indirect contact apply:
– protection by automatic disconnection or signalling;
– protection by protective insulation;
– protection by earth-free local equipotential bonding;
– protection by electrical separation.

4.3 Basic protection and fault protection when discharging the traction battery on the
vehicle (battery disconnected from charger/mains)
4.3.1 Batteries up to and including 60 V DC
For batteries having a nominal voltage up to and including 60 V DC, protection against electric
shock caused by direct contact is not formally required as long as the whole battery installation
corresponds to the conditions for safety extra-low voltage (SELV) or protective extra-low voltage
(PELV).
However, for other reasons, for example, short-circuits and mechanical damage, there should
be protection against direct contact with live parts of all batteries in electrical vehicles, even if
the battery nominal voltage is 60 V DC or less.
NOTE Batteries with nominal voltage up to and including 120 V DC are regarded as safe power sources for SELV
systems (safety extra-low voltage) or PELV systems (protective extra-low voltage), see IEC 60364-4-41:2005,
414.1.1.
4.3.2 For batteries exceeding 60 V DC up to and including 120 V DC
For batteries having a nominal voltage above 60 V DC and up to and including 120 V DC,
protection against electric shock caused by direct contact is required.
The following protective measures apply:
– protection by insulation of live parts;
– protection by barriers or enclosures;
– protection by obstacles;
– protection by placing out of reach.
If the basic protection of live parts is ensured only by obstacles or by placing out of reach,
access to the battery compartment shall be restricted to trained and authorized personnel only,
and the battery compartment shall be marked by appropriate warning labels (see Clause 12).
This requirement does not apply to an inherently safe design of the battery regarding electric
shock.
4.3.3 Batteries exceeding 120 V DC but not exceeding 1 500 V DC
For batteries having a nominal voltage exceeding 120 V DC, but not exceeding 1 500 V DC,
protective measures against both direct and indirect contact are required.
Battery compartments shall be locked and have access restricted to trained and authorized
personnel only and shall be marked with appropriate warning labels (see Clause 12).
The following protective measures against indirect contact apply:
– protection by electrical insulation of live parts;
– protection by earth-free equipotential local bonding;
– protection by automatic disconnection or signalling.
4.4 Basic protection and fault protection when charging the traction battery
When battery chargers with safe reinforced isolation from the mains supply are used according
to IEC 61140, the protective measures SELV or PELV should be applied. If the nominal voltage
of the battery does not exceed 60 V DC, basic protection is not required as long as the total
installation corresponds to conditions of SELV or PELV.
When the battery charger does not comply with these requirements, then the protective
measures against direct and indirect contact shall be applied according to IEC 60364-4-41.

– 12 – IEC 62485-6:2021 © IEC 2021
However, for other reasons, for example, short-circuits, mechanical damage, all batteries in
electrical vehicles shall be protected against direct contact with live parts, even if the battery
nominal voltage is 60 V DC or less.
If protection by barriers or enclosures is applied, the minimum degrees of protection required
shall be according to IEC 60529, IP2X or IPXXB.
The battery enclosure or compartment shall have adequate protection from the effects of
moisture and excessive dust.
This battery enclosure or compartment shall be defined under agreement between the battery
system manufacturer and the upper system designer (such as vehicle designer). The IP class
of the battery enclosure or compartment shall be declared by its manufacturer or designer.
The pollution degree influences the creepage and clearances distances. The battery shall fulfil
the relevant safety standards for the respective end application with regards to clearances and
creepage distances (e.g. IEC 60664 series).
5 Prevention of short-circuits and protection from other effects of electric
current
5.1 Cables and connectors
Cables and connectors shall be insulated to prevent short-circuits.
If protection against short-circuits cannot be provided by overcurrent protection devices for
battery-specific reasons, then the connecting cables between the charger and battery fuse,
charger and battery, and between battery and vehicle shall be protected against short-circuits
and earth fault.
Protection for battery alone is only possible by a fuse. Other protection like earth fault can be
realized by overcurrent protection circuit.
NOTE 1 "Overcurrent protection device for specific reasons" means protection against overcurrent between battery
terminals.
NOTE 2 Short-circuits can also occur between points other than battery terminals.
The cables shall meet the requirements of IEC 60204-1.
The battery terminal cables shall be fixed in a manner that prevents tensile and torsional strain
on the battery terminals (see also 5.1 of IEC 62485-3:2014).
Insulation shall be resistant to the effects of anticipated environmental ambient influences such
as temperature, electrolyte, water, dust, commonly occurring chemicals and mechanical stress.
5.2 Protective measures during maintenance
In order to minimize the risk of injury during work on live equipment, the use of insulated tools
according to IEC 60900 is recommended and all necessary measures depending on the type of
the battery shall be taken to ensure safe work on the battery:
– all metallic personal objects shall be removed from the operator's hands, wrists and neck
before starting work;
– for battery systems where the nominal voltage is above 120 V DC, insulated protective
clothing and/or local insulated coverings shall be required to prevent personnel from making
contact with the floor or parts bonded to earth;

– batteries shall not be connected or disconnected before the load or charging current has
been switched off;
– battery terminals and connector covers shall be provided which allow routine maintenance
whilst minimizing exposure of energized conductive parts;
– maintenance shall only be carried out by authorized persons.
5.3 Battery insulation
5.3.1 Insulation resistance
A new and charged battery shall have an insulation resistance as specified by the vehicle
manufacturer when measured between both battery terminals and metallic container, vehicle
frame or other conductive supporting structure. Where the battery is fitted into more than one
container, this requirement applies with the sections, including metal battery containers,
electrically connected. There is an exemption from this insulation resistance requirement when
the battery is installed in a chassis-bonded system.
5.3.2 Insulation resistance measurement
Unless specified by the manufacturer, a battery having a nominal voltage not higher than
120 V DC, shall have an insulation resistance of at least 50 Ω multiplied by the nominal battery
voltage but not less than 1 kΩ when measured between a battery terminal and metallic
container, vehicle frame or other conductive supporting structure. If the nominal battery voltage
exceeds 120 V DC, an isolation resistance of at least 500 Ω multiplied by the nominal battery
voltage is required. Where the battery is fitted into more than one container, this requirement
applies to the sections, including metal battery containers that are electrically connected.
If AC high-voltage buses and DC high-voltage buses are galvanically isolated from each other,
isolation resistance between the high-voltage bus and the electrical chassis shall have a
minimum value of 100 Ω/volt of the working voltage for DC buses, and a minimum value of
500 Ω/volt of the working voltage for AC buses. The measurement shall be conducted according
to "Isolation resistance measurement method for vehicle based tests" of UN R 100:2011.
6 Provisions against hazards
6.1 General
Within the standard temperature range, secondary cells can be charged at the maximum charge
current, which is specified from a safety point of view. Lithium ion cells shall always be operated
within the operating region values specified by the manufacturer (voltage, temperature, current)
in accordance with Annex A of IEC 62619:2017 and Annex A.
It is of prime importance that the charging current during the last portion of the charging
procedure is kept at a level appropriate for the battery type used. Therefore the use of a
controlled charger, which considers the cells operating region (e.g. by the BMS communication)
is essential otherwise batteries run the risk of total destruction, explosion or thermal runaway.
6.2 Charging modes
Within the standard temperature range, secondary cells can be charged at the maximum charge
current, which is specified from a safety point of view.
Unless specified by the manufacturer, the usual charging mode for lithium ion traction batteries
is the constant current or constant voltage charge (IU- characteristic).
NOTE The regulation of charge voltage can be carried out by the charger in communication with the BMS.
For fast charge the recommendations of the manufacturer for current/voltage regulation and the
end-of-charge voltage have to be applied.

– 14 – IEC 62485-6:2021 © IEC 2021
6.3 Temperature influence on the charge voltage and limiting of charge current
If the influence of temperature has to be considered, the method shall be specified by the battery
manufacturer.
NOTE A reduced charge voltage and current at low temperatures reduces the risk of lithium-metal plating.
6.4 Overcharging or overdischarging under fault conditions
Electrical precautions against charger, load and battery malfunction or thermal runaway shall
be provided, for example by lowering or switching off the power flow to and from the battery so
that:
– no cell or cell block is charged higher than its upper limit charging voltage.
– no cell or cell block is discharged lower than its lower limit discharging voltage.
6.5 Prevention of electrostatic discharges when working with batteries
The manufacturer's instructions regarding handling and maintenance of the battery to prevent
damage due to electrostatic discharge shall be taken into account.
7 Provision against hazards by chemical substances
7.1 General
Lithium ion batteries are products which release no chemical substances when used properly.
Through damage of the secondary cells or battery, or through misuse or wrong operation,
chemical substances may be released. In this case the provisions of 7.1 to 7.5 should be carried
out. Always follow the safety instructions in the cell manufacturer's product-specific
documentation.
Safety instructions from the manufacturer and a safety data sheet (SDS) shall describe the risk
of fire and explosion and provide health recommendations including covering the items in 7.1
to 7.5 as applicable.
The battery manufacturer shall specify the harmful chemical substances which may be released
or that may occur through reaction with the environment. An SDS is acceptable for this
requirement.
7.2 Initial actions in case of hazardous chemical release
In the event of hazardous quantities of electrolyte release, smoke or fire, leave the battery room,
disconnect the battery if possible and contact the fire brigade.
7.3 Eye or skin contact
If hydrocarbons or electrolyte from a cell come into contact with skin or eyes thoroughly rinse
the affected areas with water for at least 15 minutes. In all cases seek immediate medical
attention.
7.4 Swallowing
Rinse mouth and wash around the mouth with water. In all cases, immediate medical attention
shall be obtained.
7.5 Respiratory tract
Leave the room immediately if there is an intensive smoke build-up or release of gas. If there
is inadvertent inhalation and irritation of the respiratory tract, medical attention shall be
obtained.
7.6 Burns
If burns are caused, treat them accordingly. Likewise, immediate medical attention shall be
obtained.
8 Battery containers and enclosures
The battery accommodation, container, rack, stands and compartments shall have adequate
mechanical strength and be protected against battery and/or application-specific damaging
effects (e.g. electrolyte leakage).
9 Battery change
Battery changing equipment shall be suitable for the battery container and the battery weight
and be regularly checked. Battery changing shall be done by personnel trained to handle the
weight of the batteries.
Preferably, batteries should be changed laterally by means of certified supporting devices to
minimize the risk of the battery tipping over, crushing or causing damage to other equipment,
etc. Battery changing shall be done under consideration of local regulations for persons
regarding maximum weight to lift and/or carry.
10 Battery peripheral equipment/accessories
10.1 Battery management system
The function of the battery management system (BMS) can be fully or partially assigned to the
battery pack and/or to the battery charger or equipment that uses this battery as energy source.
The BMS shall prevent overvoltage and overcurrent on the cell or cell block level by limiting,
switching off or disconnecting.
The BMS shall avoid any battery overcharging.
If regenerative breaking can be safety relevant, an appropriate margin shall be considered in
order to avoid exceeding the upper limit charging voltage.
The BMS shall avoid overdischarging except in the case of an application that requires further
discharging, for example, to move the vehicle out of a safety critical situation.
The battery system shall have a non-resettable function to stop charging and discharging when
it deviates from the operating region during operation.
However the function of the battery system can be
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